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Sven makes Ball case

Michael Ball's transformation from peripheral squad player to Manchester City's first choice left-back has drawn Sven Goran Eriksson to comment on a remarkable change of heart on his part.

City's signing of Javier Garrido in the summer saw Ball, who won his only England cap under Eriksson's tenure of the national side, reduced to the sidelines.

Ball only earned his first league start of the season at the back end of December against Aston Villa but Eriksson is now touting his player for an England call-up.

"I think he has the capability to do that," said Eriksson, when quizzed on Ball's international aspirations.

"England have a couple of top quality left-backs in Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge, so Michael has to compete with them. But I think he can do that.

"He has surprised me. He is a much better player now than he was four or five years ago when I picked him for England.

"The way he is playing now is brilliant."

No Cisse deal

In the past few days murmurings coming out of France have claimed City are eager to bring Marseille striker Djibril Cisse back to England but while Eriksson accepts speculation is inevitable at this time of the year, he claims the former Liverpool man is not on his radar.